Chemistry is the science that studies matter, the stuff of which all things are made. Chemists study the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter on the molecular scale and larger. Chemists also discover and synthesize entirely new materials. Modern chemistry touches many other fields of science, engineering, and medicine. Chemistry will continue to provide critical solutions to intellectually exciting and societally important problems.
Biochemistry is the study of the living organism at the molecular level. It draws on the techniques of analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry in determining the molecular basis of life processes. Biochemistry is well suited for students planning a career in biomedical research, the health care professions, or biotechnology. The degree is also good preparation for graduate school in any aspect of biochemical or biomedical research.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Biochemistry
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biochemistry
Recommended Preparation
Suggested First- and Second-Year Courses: BIOL 180, BIOL 200; CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162 (or accelerated series CHEM 143, CHEM 153; or Honors series CHEM 145, CHEM 155, CHEM 165); CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239, CHEM 241, CHEM 242; MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123 (or PHYS 114, PHYS 115, PHYS 116 with one physics lab course strongly recommended).
Admission Requirements
Admission is capacity constrained. Applicants are considered in the following groups: Direct Freshman Admission, Research/Honors Admission, Early Admission, Regular Admission, and Direct Transfer Admission. Completion of minimum requirements described below does not guarantee admission. All applicants have the right to petition and appeal the department's admission decision. Applications are considered twice each academic year and are due on October 5th and April 5th, with the exception of Direct Freshman Admission. Refer to Department of Chemistry website for application and additional information.
Direct Freshman Admission
Open to freshman students formally admitted to the UW.
Indication on the UW freshman application of biochemistry as the student's first choice of major.
Direct admission decisions are made in conjunction with the Office of Admissions and are based on holistic review of applicants.
Admission is for autumn quarter only.
Research/Honors Admission
Students with exceptional records can apply for consideration for admission to the biochemistry major via the Honors or Research track. Students seeking admission should submit an application that includes:
Cover sheet (available on the Department of Chemistry website)
Unofficial transcript
Statement of purpose. May include a description of interest in biochemistry, career goals, undergraduate research interests, degree interest (BA or BS), and any other information applicant believes is useful in evaluating the application.
(Research track only) Written letter or recommendation from research adviser
Honors Track. Students participating in the chemistry Honors sequence who have completed the following courses with a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA: CHEM 145, CHEM 155; MATH 124 and MATH 125, or MATH 134 and MATH 135
Research Track. Students who have performed at least 6 credits of undergraduate research (CHEM 199, CHEM 299, or higher) and who provide a strong recommendation from faculty research adviser. Chemistry undergraduate research may be considered as well.
Early Admission
Course requirements: CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162 (or accelerated series CHEM 143, CHEM 153; or Honors series CHEM 145, CHEM 155, CHEM 165); BIOL 180; MATH 124, MATH 125 (or MATH 134, MATH 135)
Factors included in the admission decision include academic performance as measured by GPA in courses required for application, difficulty of other courses completed, frequency of incompletes or withdrawal grades, number of repeated courses, relevant work and life experience, and record of honors.
Successful applicants for the BS biochemistry program typically have a cumulative GPA greater than 3.20 in courses listed above under course requirements. Successful applicants for the BA biochemistry program typically have a cumulative GPA greater than 3.00 in courses listed above under course requirements.
Regular Admission
Course requirements: CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162 (or accelerated series CHEM 143, CHEM 153; or Honors series CHEM 145, CHEM 155, CHEM 165); CHEM 237, CHEM 238 (or CHEM 257, CHEM 258); BIOL 180, BIOL 200; MATH 124, MATH 125 (or MATH 134, MATH 135)
Factors in the admission decision include academic performance as measured by GPA in courses required for application, difficulty of other courses completed, frequency of incompletes or withdrawal grades, number of repeated courses, relevant work and life experience, and record of honors.
Successful applicants for the BS biochemistry program typically have a cumulative GPA greater than 2.50 in courses listed above under course requirements, with no individual course grade lower than a 2.0. Successful applicants for the BA biochemistry program typically have a cumulative GPA greater than 2.00 in courses listed above under course requirements, with no individual grade below a 1.7.
Direct Transfer Admission
Open to transfer students who submit a departmental application for the same quarter they submit an application to the University.
Course requirements: CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162; BIOL 180; MATH 124, MATH 125
Factors included in the admission decision include academic performance as measured by GPA in courses required for application, difficulty of other courses completed, frequency of incompletes or withdrawal grades, number of repeated courses, relevant work and life experience, and record of honors.
Successful applicants for the BS biochemistry program typically have a cumulative GPA greater than 3.20 in courses listed above under course requirements. Successful applicants for the BA biochemistry program typically have a cumulative GPA greater than 3.00 in courses listed above under course requirements.
Continuation Policy
All students must make satisfactory academic progress in the major. Failure to do so results in probation, which can lead to dismissal from the major. For the complete continuation policy, contact the departmental adviser or refer to the departmental website.
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Biochemistry
Credential Overview
Biochemistry is the study of the living organism at the molecular level. It draws on the techniques of analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry in determining the molecular basis of life processes. The BA Biochemistry degree is especially designed for students pursuing careers in the health care field such as medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy.
Completion Requirements
88-94 credits
General Chemistry (12-15 credits): one of the following options: (1) CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162; (2)CHEM 143, CHEM 153; (3) CHEM 145, CHEM 155, CHEM 165
Organic Chemistry (18 credits): one of the following options: (1) CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239, CHEM 241, CHEM 242; (2) CHEM 257, CHEM 258, CHEM 259, CHEM 261, CHEM 262
Mathematics (15 credits):one of the following options: (1) MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; (2) MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136
Physics (12-15 credits): one of the following options: (1) PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123; (2) PHYS 114, PHYS 115, PHYS 116; (3) PHYS 141, PHYS 142, PHYS 143
Science Electives: 9 credits to be taken from a current department list available in 303 Bagley or department website. Up to 3 credits of advanced undergraduate research may count toward this requirement. Research conducted outside chemistry or biochemistry must first be approved by a biochemistry adviser.
Grade Requirements: Minimum 1.7 grade in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology courses required for the major. Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA required for all chemistry, biochemistry, and biology courses used to satisfy major requirements. Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA required for graduation.
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biochemistry
Credential Overview
Biochemistry is the study of the living organism at the molecular level. It draws on the techniques of analytical, organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry in determining the molecular basis of life processes. The BS Biochemistry degree is well suited for students planning a career in biomedical research, the health care professions, or biotechnology. The degree is also good preparation for graduate school in any aspect of biochemical or biomedical research.
Completion Requirements
103-114 credits
General Chemistry (12-15 credits): one of the following options: (1) CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162; (2)CHEM 143, CHEM 153; (3) CHEM 145, CHEM 155, CHEM 165
Organic Chemistry (18 credits): one of the following options: (1) CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239, CHEM 241, CHEM 242; (2) CHEM 257, CHEM 258, CHEM 259, CHEM 261, CHEM 262
Physical Chemistry (6-9 credits): one of the following options: (1) CHEM 452, CHEM 453; (2) CHEM 455, CHEM 456, CHEM 457
Mathematics (15 credits): one of the following options: (1) MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; (2) MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136
Physics (12-15 credits):one of the following options: (1) PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123 (recommended); (2) PHYS 114, PHYS 115, PHYS 116; (3) PHYS 141, PHYS 142, PHYS 143
Genome Science (3-5 credits): GENOME 361 or GENOME 371
11 credits chosen from a current department list (available in 303 Bagley or see department website) of upper-division science classes including math, biology, microbiology, chemistry, and genome sciences. Up to 9 credits of approved advanced-level undergraduate research may also be applied to this requirement. Research conducted outside chemistry or biochemistry must first be approved by a biochemistry adviser.
Grade Requirements: Minimum 2.0 grade in chemistry, biochemistry, and biology courses required for the major. Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA required for all chemistry, biology, and biochemistry courses counted toward the major. Minimum 2.50 GPA required for the BIOC 440, BIOC 441, and BIOC 442 sequence. Minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA required for graduation.
Of Special Note:
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biochemistry requires a minimum of 193 credits.
Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: At the conclusion of their studies, graduating biochemistry majors should possess a general working knowledge of the basic areas of biochemistry; be proficient in basic laboratory skills; have the ability to carry out strategies for solving scientific problems; have an understanding of the principles and applications of modern instrumentation, computation, experimental design, and data analysis; have had the opportunity to gain experience with a research project; have the ability to communicate scientific information clearly and precisely; have the ability to read, understand, and use scientific literature; have an awareness of the broader implications of biochemical processes; have had the opportunity to work as part of a team to solve scientific problems; and have had an introduction to opportunities in, and requirements for, the careers available to biochemistry majors. Students planning a career in biomedical research, the health professions, or biotechnology find the biochemistry degree to be an excellent choice. The degree is also good preparation for graduate school in any aspect of biochemical or biomedical research.
Instructional and Research Facilities: Research facilities for the department are housed in the Biochemistry-Genetics Building, which provides approximately 52,000 square feet of research space, conference rooms, and a departmental library. In the immediate vicinity are the departments of Immunology, Genome Sciences, Microbiology, and Pharmacology, as well as programs in biomolecular structure, molecular medicine, neurobiology, and molecular and cellular biology, with which the department has common research interests. Laboratories are equipped with modern research equipment and are supported by external, centralized research facilities. An emphasis on biomedical research is facilitated by the location of the department within the School of Medicine.
Honors Options Available: With College Honors (Completion of Honors Core Curriculum and Departmental Honors); With Honors (Completion of Departmental Honors requirements in the major). See adviser for requirements.
Research, Internships, and Service Learning:No formal internship program. Students are encouraged to pursue national and regional internships. See adviser for more information.
Program Scholarships: Resident tuition scholarships and book prizes are awarded annually by the Department of Chemistry to eligible chemistry and biochemistry majors. Applications are available during the month of March for the following academic year. See department adviser for more information.
Student Organizations/Associations:
Alpha Chi Sigma: the UW affiliate of the national chemistry-related science organization for chemistry and biochemistry majors
Phi Lambda Upsilon: the UW affiliate of the national chemistry honorary society
The Free Radicals: a general undergraduate club for chemistry and biochemistry majors.
Of Special Note:
Students are strongly encouraged to participate in undergraduate research.
Chemistry plays a central role in the sciences because the goal of chemical study is understanding natural processes on an atomic and molecular level. Thus, graduating chemistry and biochemistry majors should experience the excitement of relating molecular properties to the order they observe in nature.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Chemistry
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Chemistry
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Chemistry: ACS Certified
Admission Requirements
Admission is capacity constrained. Applicants are considered in the following groups: Direct Freshman Admission, Research/Honors, Early Admission, Regular Admission, and Direct Transfer Admission. Completion of minimum requirements described below does not guarantee admission. All applicants have the right to petition and appeal the department's admission decision. Applications are considered twice each academic year and are due on October 5th and April 5th, with the exception of Direct Freshman Admission. Refer to department website for application and additional information.
Direct Freshman Admission
Open to freshman students formally admitted to the UW.
Indication on the UW freshman application of chemistry as the student's first choice of major.
Direct admission decisions are made in conjunction with the Office of Admissions and are based on holistic review of applicants.
Admission is for autumn quarter only.
Research/Honors
Students with exceptional records can apply for consideration for admission via the Honors or Research track. Students seeking admission should submit an application that includes:
Cover sheet (available on the Department of Chemistry website)
Unofficial transcript
Statement of purpose: May include a description of interest in chemistry, career goals, undergraduate research interests, degree interest (BA or BS), and any other information applicant believes is useful in evaluating the application.
(Research Track only) Written letter or recommendation from research adviser.
Honors Track. Students participating in the chemistry Honors sequence who have completed the following courses with a minimum 3.00 cumulative GPA: CHEM 145, CHEM 155 (10 credits); MATH 124 and MATH 125 (or MATH 134 and MATH 135) (10 credits).
Research Track. Students who have performed at least 6 credits of undergraduate research (CHEM 199, CHEM 299, or higher) and who provide a strong recommendation from faculty research advisers. Biochemistry undergraduate research may be considered as well.
Early Admission
Course requirements: CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162 (or accelerated series CHEM 143, CHEM 153; or Honors series CHEM 145, CHEM 155, CHEM 165); PHYS 121, PHYS 122 (recommended) or PHYS 114, PHYS 115. MATH 124, MATH 125 (or MATH 134, MATH 135)
Factors in the admission decision include academic performance as measured by GPA in courses required for application, difficulty of other courses completed, frequency of incompletes or withdrawal grades, number of repeated courses, relevant work and life experience, and record of honors.
Successful applicants for the BS chemistry and BS chemistry-ACS certified programs typically have a cumulative GPA greater than 3.20 in courses listed above under course requirements. Successful applicants for the BA chemistry program typically have a cumulative GPA greater than 3.00 in courses listed above under course requirements.
Regular Admission
Course requirements: CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162 (or accelerated series CHEM 143, CHEM 153; or Honors series CHEM 145, CHEM 155, CHEM 165); CHEM 237, CHEM 238 (or CHEM 257, CHEM 258). PHYS 121, PHYS 122 (recommended) (or PHYS 114, PHYS 115). MATH 124, MATH 125 (or MATH 134, MATH 135)
Factors in the admission decision include academic performance as measured by GPA in courses required for application, difficulty of other courses completed, frequency of incompletes or withdrawal grades, number of repeated courses, relevant work and life experience, and record of honors.
Successful applicants for the BS chemistry and BS chemistry-ACS certified programs typically have a cumulative GPA greater than 2.50 in courses listed above under course requirements, with no individual grade lower than a 2.0. Successful applicants for the BA chemistry program typically have a cumulative GPA greater than 2.00 in courses listed above under course requirements, with no individual grade lower than 1.7.
Direct Transfer Admission
Open to transfer students who submit a departmental application for the same quarter they submit an application to the University.
Course requirements: CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162; PHYS 121, PHYS 122 (recommended) or PHYS 114, PHYS 115. MATH 124, MATH 125
Factors in the admission decision include academic performance as measured by GPA in courses required for application, difficulty of other courses completed, frequency of incompletes or withdrawal grades, number of repeated courses, relevant work and life experience, and record of honors.
Successful applicants for the BS chemistry and BS chemistry-ACS certified programs typically have a cumulative GPA greater than 3.20 in courses listed above under course requirements. Successful applicants for the BA chemistry program typically have a cumulative GPA greater than 3.00 in courses listed above under course requirements.
Continuation Policy
All students must make satisfactory academic progress in the major. Failure to do so results in probation, which can lead to dismissal from the major. For the complete continuation policy, contact the departmental adviser or refer to the department website.
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Chemistry
Credential Overview
Chemistry is a branch of natural science that deals principally with the properties of molecules, the chemical reactions that occur between them, and the natural laws that describe molecular interactions. Chemistry is a central science, having strong interactions with biology, medicine, earth and environmental sciences, physics and mathematics. A BA Chemistry degree prepares students for graduate school, the health professions, careers in the chemical industry, teaching at a high school level, and a host of other career options.
Completion Requirements
80-86 credits
Chemistry Courses (52-56 credits):
General Chemistry (15-18 credits): one of the following options: (1) CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162, CHEM 312; (2) CHEM 143, CHEM 153, CHEM 312; (3) CHEM 145, CHEM 155, CHEM 165, CHEM 312 or CHEM 416
Organic Chemistry (18 credits): one of the following options: (1) CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239, CHEM 241, CHEM 242; (2) CHEM 257, CHEM 258, CHEM 259, CHEM 261, CHEM 262
Analytical Chemistry: CHEM 321
Advanced Chemistry Lab: CHEM 317 or CHEM 461
Advanced Chemistry: 11 credits of numerically graded CHEM 400-level courses to include one of the following options: (1) CHEM 455, CHEM 456, CHEM 457 series; (2) CHEM 452, CHEM 453
Mathematics (15 credits): one of the following options: (1) MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; (2) MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136
Physics (13-15 credits): one of the following options: (1) PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123 (recommended); (2) PHYS 114, PHYS 115, PHYS 116; one of PHYS 117, PHYS 118, PHYS 119; (3) PHYS 141, PHYS 142, PHYS 143
Grade Requirements: Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in chemistry courses counted toward major. Minimum 1.7 grade in all required chemistry courses.
Of Special Note:
The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Chemistry requires a minimum of 180 credits to graduate.
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Chemistry
Credential Overview
Chemistry is a branch of natural science that deals principally with the properties of molecules, the chemical reactions that occur between them, and the natural laws that describe molecular interactions. Chemistry is a central science, having strong interactions with biology, medicine, earth and environmental sciences, physics and mathematics. A BS Chemistry degree prepares students for graduate school, the health professions, careers in the chemical industry, teaching at a high school level, and a host of other career options.
Completion Requirements
90-100 credits
Chemistry and Related Courses (62-67 credits):
General Chemistry (15-18 credits): one of the following options: (1) CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162, CHEM 312; (2) CHEM 143, CHEM 153, CHEM 312; (3) CHEM 145, CHEM 155, CHEM 165, CHEM 312 or CHEM 416
Organic Chemistry (15 credits): one of the following options: (1) CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239, CHEM 241; (2) CHEM 257, CHEM 258, CHEM 259, CHEM 261
Science Electives: 11 credits chosen from CHEM 242, CHEM 262, CHEM 317, CHEM 321, any 400 -level numerically graded chemistry or biochemistry courses, or one from MATH 207, MATH 208, AMATH 351, or AMATH 352. Students with a chemistry GPA of 3.30 or higher may apply up to 6 credits of approved research (CHEM 399 or CHEM 499) toward satisfying this requirement. CHEM 498 may not be used to satisfy this requirement.
Mathematics (15-18 credits): one of the following options: (1) MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; one additional course chosen from MATH 207, MATH 208, AMATH 351, or AMATH 352; (2) MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136
Physics (13-15 credits): one of the following options: (1)PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123 (recommended); (2) PHYS 114, PHYS 115, PHYS 116; one of PHYS 117, PHYS 118, PHYS 119; (3) PHYS 141, PHYS 142, PHYS 143
Grade Requirements: Minimum 2.0 grade in each chemistry course; minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA required for all chemistry, mathematics, and physics courses used to satisfy major requirements; minimum overall 2.50 cumulative GPA and minimum 180 credits required for graduation.
Of Special Note:
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Chemistry requires a minimum of 180 credits to graduate.
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Chemistry: ACS Certified
Credential Overview
Chemistry is a branch of natural science that deals principally with the properties of molecules, the chemical reactions that occur between them, and the natural laws that describe molecular interactions. Chemistry is a central science, having strong interactions with biology, medicine, earth and environmental sciences, physics and mathematics. A BS Chemistry (ACS Certified) degree prepares students for graduate school, the health professions, careers in the chemical industry, teaching at a high school level, and a host of other career options.
Completion Requirements
98-104 credits
Chemistry and Related Courses (68-71 credits):
General Chemistry (12-15 credits): one of the following options: (1) CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162; (2) CHEM 143 and CHEM 153; (3) CHEM 145, CHEM 155, CHEM 165
Organic Chemistry (18 credits): one of the following options: (1) CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 239, CHEM 241, CHEM 242; (2) CHEM 257, CHEM 258, CHEM 259, CHEM 261, CHEM 262
Biochemistry (3 credits): one course from BIOC 405, CHEM 432, or CHEM 436. Contact adviser regarding alternative prerequisites for BIOC 405.
Advanced Chemistry: 8 credits of numerically graded CHEM or BIOC 400-level courses (not previously listed) and one more course with laboratory (currently CHEM 462, CHEM 463, CHEM 464, and CHEM 466)
Strongly recommended, research credits in CHEM 399 and CHEM 499.
Mathematics (15-18 credits): one of the following options: (1) MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; one course from MATH 207, MATH 208, AMATH 351, or AMATH 352; (2) MATH 134, MATH 135, MATH 136.
Physics (15 credits): one of the following options: (1)PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123 (recommended); (2) PHYS 114, PHYS 115, PHYS 116, PHYS 117, PHYS 118, and PHYS 119; (3) PHYS 141, PHYS 142, PHYS 143.
Grade Requirements: Minimum 2.0 grade in each chemistry course; minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA for courses used to satisfy the major degree requirements; minimum overall 2.50 cumulative GPA and minimum 188 credits required for graduation.
Of Special Note:
The Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Chemistry: ACS Certified requires a minimum of 188 credits to graduate.
Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: At the conclusion of their studies, graduating chemistry majors should have a general knowledge of the basic areas of chemistry with a working knowledge of at least one area: be proficient in basic laboratory skills; have the ability to carry out strategies for solving scientific problems; have an understanding of the principles and applications of modern instrumentation, computation, experimental design, and data analysis; have had the opportunity to gain experience with a research project; have the ability to communicate scientific information clearly and precisely; have the ability to read, understand, and use scientific literature; have an awareness of the broader implications of chemical processes; have had the opportunity to work as part of a team to solve scientific problems; and have had an introduction to opportunities in, and requirements for, the careers available to chemistry majors. Teaching high school chemistry, environmental or patent law practice, or working in the chemical industry in sales or management positions are career choices for which the BA in chemistry is generally useful.
Instructional and Research Facilities:
Departmental facilities include a spectroscopic and analytical instrumentation laboratory (NMR, GC-MS, X-Ray, IR), Chemistry Library, Center for Enabling New Technologies through Catalysis (CENTC), Center for Process and Analytical Chemistry (CPAC), Materials and Devices for Information Technology Research (MDITR), Center for Nanotechnology, and extensive computing capabilities.
The department's local area network (LAN) is extended through a fiber optic cable to the university-wide network that is connected to Internet, HEPNET, SPAN, and other national and international computer networks.
The Chemistry Study Center offers assistance to students in 100-level chemistry courses and has 40 Pentium computers available to undergraduates taking chemistry courses.
Honors Options Available: With College Honors (Completion of Honors Core Curriculum and Departmental Honors); With Honors (Completion of Departmental Honors requirements in the major). See adviser for requirements.
Research, Internships, and Service Learning: No formal internship program. Students are encouraged to pursue national and regional internships. See advisers for information.
Department Scholarships: Resident tuition scholarships and book prizes are awarded annually by the Department of Chemistry to eligible chemistry and biochemistry majors. Applications are available during the month of March for the following academic year. See department advisers for more information.
Student Organizations/Associations:
Alpha Chi Sigma: the UW affiliate of the national chemistry-related science organization for chemistry and biochemistry majors
Phi Lambda Upsilon: the UW affiliate of the national chemistry honorary society
The Free Radicals: a general undergraduate club for chemistry and biochemistry majors
Of Special Note:
Students are strongly encouraged to participate in undergraduate research.
Chemistry plays a central role in the sciences because the goal of chemical study is understanding natural processes on an atomic and molecular level. Thus, graduating chemistry and biochemistry majors should experience the excitement of relating molecular properties to the order they observe in nature.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Minor in Chemistry
Minor in Chemistry
Credential Overview
Chemistry plays a central role in the sciences because the goal of chemical study is understanding natural processes on an atomic and molecular level. Students with a Minor in Chemistry will have a foundation to experience the excitement of relating molecular properties to the order they observe in nature.
Completion Requirements
35-46 credits
Complete one of the following (16-19 credits):
CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162, and one of CHEM 223, CHEM 237, or CHEM 257
CHEM 143, CHEM 153, and one of CHEM 223, CHEM 237, or CHEM 257
CHEM 145, CHEM 155, CHEM 165, and one of CHEM 223, CHEM 237, or CHEM 257
MATH 124 (or Q SCI 291 and Q SCI 292)
PHYS 114 or PHYS 121
Complete three of the following (10-12 credits):
CHEM 312 or CHEM 416
CHEM 321
one of CHEM 452, CHEM 455, or CHEM 456
one of CHEM 224, CHEM 238, or CHEM 258
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA in courses applied to the minor
Minimum 1.7 grade in courses applied to the minor
Minimum 15 credits must be completed in residence through the UW